Larry Kirwan is a man who needs no introduction, but he’s going to get one anyway next Monday evening in the beautiful Skylight Room, upstairs at Rosie O’Grady’s, near Times Square in the heart of Manhattan.
Previous recipients of the Eugene O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award have included musicians (such as Judy Collins and Joanie Madden); novelists (William Kennedy, Peter Quinn); liberal advocates (Phil Donahue); newspaper and magazine people (Patricia Harty, Pete Hamill)*; theatre folk (Moore & O’Reilly, Brian Dennehy, John Patrick Shanley); and memoirists (Kate Mulgrew, Malachy McCourt).
The 2022 O’Neill honoree Kirwan has made his mark in all of the above categories and so there’ll be lots of highlights to cover — from his arrival in New York as a hopeful young immigrant to his founding of Black 47, from his five-year presidency of Irish American Writers & Artists, the night’s host, through to his Tony nomination this year for his musical “Paradise Square.”
Click here for tickets and more information about the night's celebration.
Larry Kirwan
Place of birth: Wexford, Ireland
Residence: New York City
Published works: “Liverpool Fantasy,” “Green Suede Shoes – An Irish-American Odyssey,” “Rockin’ The Bronx,” “A History of Irish Music.” “Rockaway Blue.”
What is your writing routine? Are there ideal conditions?
Writing is often a slow grind, so you’ve got to train yourself to write under any conditions. Without discipline and self-application you’re only kidding yourself. You can’t sit around waiting for creativity to strike. You’ve got to write on the days you’re exhausted as well as those when you’re inspired. And always remember that writing is all about rewriting. It took me 15 years to complete the song “Bobby Sands MP,” and in many ways I began writing the novel, “Rockaway Blue,” on 9/11, though it wasn’t published until 2021. As for “Paradise Square,” I conceived it in 2011; it reached Broadway in 2022.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Write, early and often, and every day! Silence all rings, beeps and buzzes. Who cares who’s texting or calling you? It can wait. Give up television, you’ll be surprised how much more time that will give you; besides, it dulls the brain and blunts any natural artistry you may possess. Don’t take any advice (particularly mine); deep in your heart you already know what to do – learn from your mistakes, you’ll never find a better teacher. Don’t be afraid to fail. Know your characters - write down everything about them, for out of character comes story. And for God’s sake, pick topics that deeply engage you - you’ll be spending years in their company.
Name three books that are memorable in terms of your reading pleasure.
I’m not sure that “Ulysses” is a pleasure to read, but it will prise open the doors of your perception, and Molly Bloom, the greatest character in literature, is waiting within for you. Though it’s a series of four novels, “The Alexandrian Quartet” by Lawrence Durrell, taught me how to be a playwright. An exotic story narrated by many characters, it builds slowly but you’ll learn so much from it. Most of Edith Wharton’s short stories grab you within the first page – an essential skill for any novelist, playwright or songwriter.
What book are you currently reading?
“Act of Oblivion” by Robert Harris is a cracking good story but also gives a glimpse into the mindset of Oliver Cromwell’s followers. It shows why Puritanism is one of the foundation stones of American society, and why it’s still such a force in our society. Alas, it offers no solutions to this dilemma.
Is there a book you wish you had written?
“A Tale of Two Cities” — the perfect blend between the political and the social. You get to understand the French Revolution and enjoy a great story at the same time. It's hard to beat that. Besides, Sydney Carton is the best anti-hero in literature. Go, Mr. Dickens!
Name a book that you were pleasantly surprised by.
“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. This book says it all, so simply, and so well.
If you could meet one author, living or dead, who would it be?
I learned long ago – never meet your heroes. On the other hand, I’m still struck by Norman Mailer’s kindness and the color of his eyes. I also once had a blistering argument with the great Frank Herbert about Ronald Reagan — so a couple of pints with Stephen Foster and Marguerite Duras might make for a memorable evening.
What book changed your life?
“For Whom The Bell Tolls” came into my life at a perfect moment. Robert Jordan became a distant role model, and perhaps still is.
What is your favorite spot in Ireland?
Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford – apart from being wonderfully scenic, it’s a village abrim with memories.
You're Irish if...
you can forgive your enemies, knowing nothing will drive them crazier.
* Earlier, the New York Times’ Dan Barry, who has supported IAW&A since its foundation in 2008, was included in error here. The Pulitzer Prize-winner Barry was honored last year by Glucksman Ireland House in an online event along with former Irish President Mary McAleese and Bank of America’s Anne Finucane.
